Tell me about Wave Innovate and the services it offers.
[We are] in the health-care sector and keen to expand our footprint in the personal protective equipment (PPE) space, after the success of the Nanowave brand of face masks, which sold 1.2-million units in SA.
The aim is to add more products to cater for the mining, manufacturing/industrial and health-care sectors using the same basic approach employed during the launch of Nanowave.
The company originally focused on consumer electronics with the launch of the Wave TV android media box. Following closely was the launch of Wave Wear (affordable smart watches) and Wave Audio (wireless audio).
With the advent of the coronavirus, Wave Innovate had to pivot and started focusing all its resources and efforts on providing innovative products to South Africans.
You are a medical doctor; how does your medical experience help you in the work you are doing now?
I completed my medical degree at Stellenbosch University in 2017 and went on to work within the Western Cape department of health for two years. The time spent studying combined with the time working on the frontlines exposed me to all the opportunities the South African health-care system has.
My natural inclination is towards health-care entrepreneurship, and I have been gravitating towards it since 2015.
My background has equipped me with the ability to research and critically appraise information. It has also allowed me to consume large amounts of information about a product, from all the technology to the practical application thereof, and thus put together a brand product relatively quickly.
The last thing it has taught me is hard work and perseverance. Working 24- to 30-hour shifts was really taxing but it made me stronger and prepared me for the relentless work that goes with trying to run and scale a business.
The major soft skill learnt during my time as a clinician is empathy.
How has lockdown affected your company and the way you work?
Lockdown was an interesting time for us. It was both a blessing and a curse. Getting a business through the first hard lockdown was like a flower trying to throw concrete. Everything went into limp mode, but we were focused on getting our products to our customers.
We work remotely as a rule and outsource many of our operations, like shipping and sales. As lockdown levels eased, we focused more energy on new product development and doing our e-commerce sales and fulfilment, which brought its own challenges.
What are your main takeaways from lockdown?
The key to survival is your ability to pivot and shift your focus to dominate the short-term problem while keeping the long-term goal in mind.
What advice do you have for young people fresh out of university?
Tertiary education is important, but it does not mean it has to limit your possibilities.
Do not let your degree stop you from exploring markets outside your field of study.
Self-education is the most powerful tool to expand — by 10 times — your life.
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